There didn't seem to be a main thread for applicants to Yale's GEPN program this year, so I thought I'd get one started. I'm applying for the midwifery specialty and am currently working on my application essays, having done everything else.
Is anyone else really struggling with the main essay? I've finished my apps to two other programs and was happy with how those essays came out, but Yale's essay guidelines as so restrictive that I feel like my essay is turning out all disjointed. The fact that we have to answer every aspect of every question in *exactly the order they list* (this is apparently something that you need to take very seriously) means that I'm having to tie myself in knots. I want it to be not only informative about me as an applicant but also a good piece of writing - and I feel like the essay format is making this kind of difficult.
definitely pack the thermal pants! it was FREEZING! and good luck to everyone who hasn't interviewed yet - the experience was amazing and you will all have a wonderful time. to address the suit question yet again, whoever said last year that it didn't "make or break the interview" was totally right in my opinion. it's true that most wore suits, but I think we all looked appropriately dressed for the occasion. dress like you're going to work at a bank or something. you can look nice, professional, and put together, and sometimes better (suits look awful on me) without the suit. not all of the faculty were wearing suits. I didn't wear one and I don't regret my decision. (can you tell I obsessed about this for a while?? haha)
Just a note to say again don't worry about what to wear! People were all over the place. I did worry about it quite a bit and had to laugh at myself when I got there. Most people looked nice but there were a lot of dresses and mismatched tops and bottoms. Just look nice and you will be fine.
I'd definitely have to agree with what some of the others have said -- interview day was fantastic! I debated about clothing for a while before I realized that what I would be wearing wouldn't be nearly as important as what I would be saying. For me, I found that wearing something nice and put together, but something that was "me," helped me to feel the most comfortable and confident. I didn't wear a suit, because I don't feel like "me" in a suit. In learning more about the GEPN program, it's pretty clear that YSN really wants to use this opportunity to learn more about you as an individual, and to develop an understanding about whether or not the GEPN program would be a good fit for both parties.
So of course you wouldn't show up in your PJ's or jeans, but an interview/work appropriate outfit that isn't a suit seems totally fine too! There certainly were a lot of people in suits, but I didn't get the impression that this carried any real significance. And for the record, I didn't seen many faculty dressed in suits either. The majority were just in skirts, a few dresses, slacks, khakis, etc. Wear what makes you feel happy and pulled together. As umichan said, "just look nice and you will be fine." Good luck to everyone still waiting for their interview days!
Anyone staying at The Study at Yale or nearby on Thursday evening who would like to grab dinner/drink/tea? I'm arriving in New Haven around 4 or so. Interviewing for CNM track. Looking forward to it!
laflaca - I am a runner! it is a huge part of who I am. I asked all about the gym, classes, running groups, etc. at interview day. I'm from Guilford - about 20 min east of new haven and have lots of running connections there. recently I was in touch with the new haven road runners (mostly Yale grad students!) and got the info. would love to connect up and start a group or join up in something together if we both get in!
Chiming in to agree with those who say not to worry about whether or not you're wearing a suit. On my interview day, one applicant was rocking peacock feather earrings—I think it's perfectly fine to show some personal style, if that is what makes you feel confident.
I'm interviewing tomorrow (Thursday) for the Track Formerly Known As Oncology...it will now be a concentration rather than a course of study.
I'm staying tonight (Wednesday) at the Study at Yale with my girlfriend. We will most likely have dinner in the hotel at some point. If anyone happens to be there as well, let me know! I'll try to check this forum a couple times tonight.
Best of luck to all interviewees. I hope to meet you all in September - fingers crossed!
@simplekategirl: Part of the interview is supposed to be some guidance from the professor regarding how best to integrate the new Oncology structure into one of the existing tracks, like FNP, Acute, etc. Unsure right now which she'll think is most appropriate.
I did not. my interviewer had my folder ready with everything they have ever received on me! I don't think anyone I knew of brought a resume. I thought about it - and decided against it.
Thanks, simplekategirl. I figured they would have it and don't want to make this feel like a corporate interview! I'll definitely forego the trip to kinkos:)
jyager, MSN, RN, APRN, NP
25 Posts
definitely pack the thermal pants! it was FREEZING! and good luck to everyone who hasn't interviewed yet - the experience was amazing and you will all have a wonderful time. to address the suit question yet again, whoever said last year that it didn't "make or break the interview" was totally right in my opinion. it's true that most wore suits, but I think we all looked appropriately dressed for the occasion. dress like you're going to work at a bank or something. you can look nice, professional, and put together, and sometimes better (suits look awful on me) without the suit. not all of the faculty were wearing suits. I didn't wear one and I don't regret my decision. (can you tell I obsessed about this for a while?? haha)